Federal Land Ownership in 2010

[sargentodiaz]

They really do control the west, don't they. Why? Why can that land not be released to state control? Read more @ http://dailysignal.com/2015/02/22/study-governments-control-land-hurting-oil-production-job-growth/

[longview]

I am not a fan of Federal ownership or management of land.  While I'm not a constitutional scholar, or even very knowledgeable, Article 1, Sect 8, clause 17 says:

To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of Particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings;--

http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/tocs/a1_8_17.html

University of Chicago.  Just for fun.

I'm in favor of state ownership and control of the currently held federal lands. 

But, I have no illusion that it would end the federal interference in the use or non-use of the property.  With the various agencies and regulations, we are very much restricted here in the West on even our privately held, deeded ground.